It's all because of the lack of government regulations, the inability to self-regulate and the attraction of rebellious outlaws.
Crypto Currency attracts a certain type of individual attempting to beat the system for various, and often - illegal reasons. AND - it's been this way from the beginning and the embarrassing days of Silk Road. (For every Silk Road that's busted 10 more pop up and never get busted).
It's seen as the Wild West, where it's every man for himself and that opens the door to small and big-time hustlers.
Don't get involved with no-name exchanges. Don't get involved with ICOs. Don't buy shady coins. Don't get into investment companies. Don't get involved with crypto-IRAs. Don't get involved with special, new crypto packages filled with promises they can't deliver.
We HAVE TO do a better job of educating newbies before they get trapped into these scams, and if we can't do this - the crypto-market in America is doomed.